Her Forgotten ~Tomura Shigaraki x OC AU~

Chapter 15: Aching Rage

Illika

Red eyes.

Deep, deep red eyes. Bright and vivid in the shadows of the hall. Red eyes, deep and rich, locked on me. Hot and fierce. And a bitter scowl.

Shivers run down my spine the instant our eyes meet, but goosebumps raise across my skin as I take in that cold frown.

Tomura stands, facing and looking at me, towering. Unamused and unimpressed – maybe even boredom – written across his scarred features, all youthful and young, but still so exhausted. Tired with dark circles under his eyes, but that does little to dissuade the fire I see within them. It bends and sways, and I swallow.

He doesn't say anything. Not at first. Not in response to me being here. Not until after I speak.

"Oh, hey," I say, trying to smile. "Wasn't expecting to run into you." I wasn't. Honestly, I was hoping not to, especially given my failure, but I suppose I can't evade that reality forever. "I'm sure Compress told you...about what happened." I straighten my posture. "But don't worry, I do plan on redeeming myself. I'll make this up and next time I won't –"

"What were you doing out there?"

His tone is dry and straightforward, almost hinting at displeasure. It takes me off guard, causing me to take a second glance at him, almost as if I didn't hear him. Or rather, as if I heard him too well, perhaps.

I furrow my brows. "I'm sorry? What?"

He narrows his eyes. "You heard me. What were you doing out there?"

I blink, still stunned. "I was getting some air. Why?"

His eyes are still pinned on mine, his expression growing flatter and flatter, and harder to read. But there is one thing I can pick out: the fact that he looks pissed off, but I don't understand why. At least, I don't until I think back to my failed mission, and suddenly, his frustration becomes valid. That has to be the reason for his glares and bitterness. It makes sense.

"I needed to," I say, defeated. "Listen, I know I fucked up. I was reckless, but I really will do better next time. I'll make it up to the PLF. I'll –"

"Were you out there with him?" The bitterness in his voice increases, further taking me off guard.

I lift a brow. "With who?"

That fire starts to swirl. "Stop playing coy. You know exactly who I'm talking about."

"Um, no. No, I don't. How about you enlighten me?"

He glares at me, then looks at the direction in which I had just come – the balcony – and then back at me. All the while, his eyes remain sharp. So sharp that I've already figured out whom he's referring to, but I still want to hear him say it. I want him to say his name.

"Go on," I say coarsely, crossing my arms over my chest. "Say it. Say his name."

More glaring. Then: "Dabi."

I roll my eyes. "You're so dramatic. Why do you care who I was out there with? So, what if it was Dabi? It's not like it's a big deal."

It's not. It's not a big deal. In my almost seven months here, Dabi and I have shared few interactions. He's not overly interested in my plans, and vice versa. The man marches to the beat of his own drum and I have no intention of stepping on his toes. However, even with that knowledge, my blood still boils at Tomura's reaction.

"You're acting weird, and for no reason," I continue. "It's ridiculous. I don't see you all day, then I chat for a little with Dabi and you suddenly come trudging along. If I didn't know better, I'd say you're jealous."